The probe comes amidst concerns over potential breaches of content rules, potentially exposing the social media giant to substantial fines. EU industry chief Thierry Breton affirmed the decision, citing issues ranging from addictive design to privacy settings.
EU industry chief Thierry Breton has declared the commencement of an investigation into TikTok following concerns regarding the platform’s compliance with online content regulations. The probe will scrutinize whether TikTok’s operations adhere to guidelines to protect minors and maintain advertising transparency.
Breton’s decision to launch the investigation stems from a comprehensive analysis of TikTok’s risk assessment report and its responses to information requests. This move confirms earlier reports by Reuters, indicating the seriousness with which the EU approaches potential violations by tech giants.
This marks the second DSA investigation after Elon Musk’s social media platform X found itself in the EU’s crosshairs in December last year, stated Breton, underscoring the EU’s commitment to enforcing regulations on digital platforms.
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect on February 17th, imposes stringent obligations on major online platforms to combat illegal content and safeguard public security. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could face 6% of its global turnover fines if found guilty of breaching DSA regulations.
Addressing the investigation, TikTok emphasized its dedication to ensuring the safety of young users on its platform. A spokesperson for the company stated, “TikTok has pioneered features and settings to protect teens and keep under 13s off the platform, issues the whole industry is grappling with.”
The investigation will focus on various aspects of TikTok’s operations, including the platform’s design features, algorithmic systems, and privacy measures. Of particular concern are features that may encourage addictive behaviours among users and the adequacy of measures to protect minors from online risks.
Furthermore, the European Commission will examine TikTok’s transparency in advertising, aiming to assess potential online risks associated with advertisements on the platform. This investigation underscores the EU’s commitment to holding tech companies accountable for their impact on society and digital safety standards.
